Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Last Chance to Drive To Old Faithful, Canyon Until Spring

The roads to many favorite Yellowstone destinations will close to automobile travel in the next few days as the park begins preparing for the winter season.

The only road in the park which is open to wheeled vehicle travel all year is the section from the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, through Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction and the Lamar Valley on to the park’s Northeast Entrance and the communities of Cooke City and Silver Gate, Montana.

All other roads will close for the season at 8:00 a.m. Monday, November 4th, so park staff members can begin preparing the roads for limited, commercially guided snowmobile and snowcoach travel beginning December 15th.

At Mammoth Hot Springs, the Yellowstone General Store, Post Office, medical clinic, campground and visitor center remain open all year. Pay-at-the pump fuel is available 24 hours a day all year at all park service stations.

All communities near and on the way to Yellowstone are open all year, with local businesses offering a wide range of fall and winter recreation opportunities.

Visitors driving to and in the park during the fall and winter are encouraged to have flexible travel plans and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time without notice. Mud and snow tires or tire chains may be required. Updated information on road conditions in Yellowstone is available 24-hours a day by calling 307-344-2117.

Extensive information and assistance for planning a visit to Yellowstone is available on the park’s web site at http://www.nps.gov/yell.